The Bu

What a great weekend. Friday night, I went to the University of Minnesota’s Midnight Madness event for their men’s basketball team. I had a lot of fun. The team looked REALLY good. They were sharp, focused, serious… everything that I would expect from a Tubby Smith coached team. They welcome a top ten recruiting class (including the Canadian High School Player of the Year and the National Junior College Player of the Year) and the season will depend on how well they improve as the season goes on. My guess is they finish 5th in a good Big 10 behind Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and have a seven or eight seed in the NCAA tournament. That would not be too shabby considering they finished LAST in the Big 10 only two years ago. After the basketball event, we all went to a bar near the “U” called The Library. Oh my goodness I forgot how nice college bars are. The bar itself was average to above average but tap beer and rail drinks were $1 each. I miss those type of prices at the watering holes I like to frequent. Saturday, I woke up and watched Iowa State lose 35 – 7 to Nebraska… at home. After that, Elyse mentioned she had never been to Stillwater, home of the infamous Aaron Robbins, so Elyse and I spent the lovely afternoon walking around downtown Stillwater. Sunday was pretty casual. I went on a walk, worked out, watched the Vikings put 41 points on the board and still find a way to lose, and then had dinner with my parents. Also, during various points of the weekend, I watched Season One of the NBC show, Chuck. I really like it. It is funny, smart, and has a little bit of action too. It definitely is show that has something for everyone. The only problem is now I have yet another show that I am going to have to start watching. No more shows! I watch too much TV as it is.

1. I just got back from the gym at 9:00 Sunday morning, I was reading Men’s Health Magazine and the TV is on in the background. I have always enjoyed the show Meet the Press. I hear the Colin Powell is on. I put down the magazine and listen intently as this retired General, former Secretary of State under two different Republican Presidents, and lifelong Republican comes out blasting the McCain campaign and says he is endorsing Barack Obama. I was, of course, pleasantly surprised. However, he did say he will not do any campaigning for Obama.

2. I stand by my assertion that Sarah Palin will be the Republican nominee for President in 2012 if Obama is elected. Saturday night, Sarah Palin was on Saturday Night Live and they had their highest rated show in decades.

3. The Gophers are ranked in the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, and the first BCS standing. Who would have ever thought that a team that had one win a year ago would be ranked?

4. I cannot wait for the World Series. I really did not want to see the Dodgers play the Red Sox in the World Series and I got my wish. Take note Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and you other teams that think you can buy a world series. This World Series is a testament to teamwork, good coaching, good scouting, chemistry, and tenacity. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays have never won a championship before. The Tampa Bay Lightning won a NHL championship a few years ago… but that was hockey so does that count? The city of Philadelphia has not won a championship since the Phillies won almost three decades ago. They are due as well. LA and Boston have more championship banners than they know what to do with. As I had mentioned before, the Boston Celtics won like their 18th NBA championship last year and they are still only the third most popular team in that city behind the Red Sox and Patriots.

5. Have any of you heard the story of Division II offensive lineman for Mesa State College, Trevor Wikre. He might be the biggest idiot I have ever read about in my life. It is his senior year. There are a half a dozen games left. He loves football but knows there is no NFL in his future. At some point during game 5, he severely dislocates his pinky finger. The doctors say it will require surgery and he will miss the rest of the season. Instead of taking the advice of doctors, he decides, what the heck, just amputate it. A long story short, his pinky is amputated and he can now play the remaining six games on the schedule. I am all for love of the game. I am all for toughness. But c’mon!

6. Currently listening to "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys. Album - Pet Sounds